Israel Philharmonic to Honor UJA

September 22, 1978

NEW YORK (Sep. 21)

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicating the opening of its 43rd season to the United Jewish Appeal in a tribute to the UJA’s 40-year lifeline partnership with the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Leonard Bernstein will be on the podium for the auspicious occasion in Jerusalem Oct. 7. This was announced by Zvi Litwak of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s board of directors after Sunday night’s concert by the orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

It is an anniversary for both organizations, he noted. They were born in crucial times: the orchestra 42 years ago in Palestine before the creation of Israel and the UJA 40 years ago when it reached out to alleviate human needs and suffering at home and across the world. “By enabling more than one million immigrants to resettle in Israel, the UJA made not only a humanitarian contribution, but also added to the cultural life of the Jewish homeland,” Litwak said.

“Now the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra takes its place as a cultural ambassador of Israel, bringing its resonance to peoples everywhere. In its ranks are 25 musicians, new immigrants from Eastern Europe. As cultural envoy, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra takes special pride in saluting the UJA for its invaluable services to humanity over the years.”